Elton John Will Quit Touring, Says, ‘The Time Is Right to... Say Goodbye’

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‘...I love performing, but I love my sons more,’ says John

It's true. The Rocket Man is flying out of the bedazzled arena after decades in the spotlight. CNN reports Elton John made the heartbreaking announcement on Wednesday during a live-chat with Anderson Cooper, saying that he felt "the time is right to say thank you to all my fans and say goodbye."

But before the 70-year-old superstar kicks off his three-year worldwide farewell tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road, he wanted to make it clear that his decision came from a place of love. Hours following his colossal announcement, John told Entertainment Tonight there were two main reasons for his difficult decision: his sons, Zachary and Elijah.

"It's all about them. I love my boys," he told ET. "I hate being away from them, and I've had so many wonderful memories of touring. I have done over 4,000 shows, and I love performing, but I love my sons more."

John continued to say that though he and his husband, David Furnish, were able to juggle life on the road as well as parenting, they both want their sons to have a more consistent schedule and opportunities to pursue their passions.

"When they were younger, we took them everywhere, because they were portable," he explained to ET. "And then, of course, when they start proper school, they have a schedule. And they sat down and showed me the curriculum, and I said, 'What are we going to do in the future? When is this going to stop?' And I said, 'I really want to stop.'"

Though this may mark the end of John's live performances, CNN reports that he still plans to make music.

Who said celebs are all about the fame? It's heartwarming to see John give up touring — which he's enjoyed and excelled at since he was a teenager — to start a less glamorous but equally rewarding new chapter in his life.